Team

The Programme Management Unit (PMU)

The Zimbabwe Resilience Buidling Fund Programme Management Unit is resourced by a team of staff with a wide range of operational and programme skills and experiences. The following are members of the PMU which is housed at the UNDP country office in Harare.

Natalia Perez y Andersen

Natalia Perez y Andersen (Head of ZRBF)

Natalia Perez y Andersen has 19 years of international experience from 10 countries working with different UN agencies as well as bilateral and multilateral donor agencies. Her experience provides solid expertise in strategic planning, crisis response, early recovery, transition, economic and rural development, resilience building as well as related governance requirements. Natalia has applied experience with trans-disciplinary and cross sector approaches, inter agency approaches as well as cross regional knowledge management. She has years of practical experience restoring capacity of communities and local institutions to overcome shocks and lay the foundation for sustained development. Natalia has extensive management experience including: Supervision of cross disciplinary teams in challenging environments, effective administration of multi donor funded initiatives, strategic planning, reporting and development and coordination of results based M&E systems. Natalia holds an MSc in International Business Administration and Modern Languages and a BSc in International Business Administration and Modern Languages (Copenhagen Business School, Denmark).

Sally Muwani

Sally Muwani (Programme Associate)

Sally Muwani has 12 years’ experience working for the United Nations and Government of Zimbabwe with main focus on Programme Support, Grant Management and Office Administration. Prior to joining UNDP Resilience Office, Sally was employed by the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs where her functions involved working with the Civil Society, various Government Ministries, Development Organisations and United Nations Agencies in the humanitarian sector. Her programme related work encompassed management of humanitarian grants, engagement of organisations for implementation of emergency response projects, review of proposals and budgets, reports, project monitoring, report writing and coordination. She also has experience in office administration and finance. Sally is a holder of an MSc in Development Studies (Women’s University in Africa), BA Development Studies (University of South Africa), Part C of the Chartered Institute of Secretaries and Administrators and a Diploma in Office Administration.

Rufael Fassil

Rufael Fassil (Senior Monitoring and Evaluation Specialist)

An economist who has over 17 years’ international experience in seven countries (East Timor, Ethiopia, Germany, Iraq, Kenya, South Africa, and Zimbabwe) in supporting governments, numerous donors and their implementing development partners on the design of various multi years development programs & establishment of result oriented performance management system. Rufael has designed and implemented various programs/projects and performance management system for USAID, APRODEV, German Development Service, Management System International, dTS, World Vision International, FHI360, Tetra Tech, UNDP and ATA. He brings a depth and breadth of knowledge regarding the technical support and capacity-building required to promote evidence based programming, effective performance measurement systems, designing and conducting evaluations. Rufael is a Certified Grants Manager & managed various grants funded by bilateral, multilateral & private foundations (USAID, EU, DFID, CIDA, AUSAID, World Bank, UNDP, WFP & Gates Foundation).
He holds a PhD in Economics (Oldenburg University); a MA in Development (Bremen University) and a BSC in Rural Development (Alemaya University).

Mohammad Hossain

Mohammad Hossain (Finance Specialist)

Mohammad Tofazzel Hossain has more than 26 years’ experience in finance, oversight/compliance and operations in different capacities in a number of countries. Prior to joining UNDP Harare as Finance Specialist with ZRBF, he worked for UN-Women, South Sudan CO as Operations Manager (Nov-2014 to Feb-2016). He previously worked with UNDP Sudan and UNDP Afghanistan as Management Specialist (Oversight and Compliance) and Finance Specialist respectively covering the period from April 2009 to October 2014. Mohammad has worked with different organizations, such as, government, NGOs and private companies and held important positions including the position of Group Director of Finance. Mohammad has developed a number of policies related to Finance and Administration including conducting capacity development trainings on issues related to finance and operations, both home and abroad.
He did his Master degree in Accounting (National University in Bangladesh) and is a Chartered Accountant (CA) (Institute of Chartered Accountants of Bangladesh).

Melania Shayanewako

Melania Shayanewako (ZRBF Capacity Building Specialist)

An Economist who has worked extensively with government ministries and civil society organisations, leading teams in technical support and capacity development, strategic advocacy, knowledge development and management. She is skilled in macroeconomic research and analysis (13 years) in the context of the Zimbabwean economy. Her knowledge of the mechanisms of Government decision making and how to target differing areas for leverage, is coupled with her skills in macroeconomic forecasting. She has international expertise having worked with UNDP South Sudan as an Economics Specialist, providing technical and economic advice to the Sudanese Central Equatorial State Ministry of Finance. She is also knowledgeable in gender mainstreaming strategies and responsive budgeting given her three years’ experience with UN Women as a Programme Specialist working on Women’s Economic Empowerment and Gender Responsive Budgeting.
Melania holds a Masters in Economics (Yokohama National University Japan) and BSc Honours in Economics (University of Zimbabwe).

Shupikayi Zimuto

Shupikayi Zimuto (Monitoring and Evaluation Officer)

Shupikayi Zimuto is an M&E practitioner with 10 years progressive experience in development work. Prior to joining UNDP, Shupikayi worked for World Food Programme, in the Vulnerability Analysis Monitoring and Evaluation Unit. Before joining the UN family he worked for various INGOs in different capacities that entails, program designing, management, implementation, monitoring and evaluation and analytical work mainly in the areas of Food and Nutrition Security, Agriculture & livelihoods, Food Aid/Assistants and Resilience Building. He has experience in leading and participating in surveys such as baseline studies, evaluations, national surveys and trainings in research monitoring and evaluations (RMEs) as an independent consultant.

Shupikayi holds a Masters in Business Administration (National University of Science and Technology) and BSc Honours in Natural Resource Management and Agriculture (Midlands State University) plus an Executive Certificate in Program Design, Monitoring and Evaluation (University of Zimbabwe).

Vhusomuzi Sithole

Vhusomuzi Sithole (GIS/Data Analyst)

Vhusomuzi has more than 9 years’ experience in research techniques, space-based technologies, spatial data collection, analysis, visualisation and dissemination. He has consulted for projects utilising geographical information systems (GIS) and remote sensing techniques in project planning, implementation and project evaluation for clients who include UNDP, GEFSGP-sponsored project, Ministry of Lands and Rural Resettlement, Ministry of Local Government, Public Works and National Housing and the Southern African Development Community (SADC). Prior to joining UNDP in January 2016, Vhusomuzi attained international work experience in South Africa and the United Kingdom.

He holds a PhD in Environmental Geography (Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University, South Africa), an MSc in Geo-Information Science and Earth Observation (University of Southampton, Lund University, University of Warsaw and International Institute of Geo-information Science and Earth Observation), an MSc in Environmental Policy and Planning and a BSc. in Geography (Hons) (University of Zimbabwe).

Tendai Kausiyo

Tendai Kausiyo (Finance Assistant)

Tendai has over 10 years progressive experience working in the accounting departments of Private, Public and NGO sectors. Prior to joining the UNDP- ZRBF unit Tendai has worked for ZimTrade rising from student intern to Finance and Administration Officer. He also has worked with both EU and USAID funded projects. As a lead consultant with Business Emporium, Tendai was involved in tax advisory services, business systems design and reviews as well as issues in labour relations and contract management.

He is a Master of Business Administration, (Public Administration) finalist with National University of Science and Technology and holds a Master of Accountancy and Bachelor of Accountancy honours degree (University of Zimbabwe). Tendai also trained for Financial Journalism with the University of Pretoria’s Gordon Institute of Business Science in South Africa.

Maxmore Chitambure

Maxmore Chitambure (Driver)

Max joined UNDP - ZRBF unit as a Transport Assistant in June 2016. Maxmore has more than 14 years’ experience as a Transport Assistant/Driver within the UN family. He worked for the United Nations World Food Programme (UNWFP) between March 2002 and December 2014 based at the Masvingo Sub-Office. He also worked for both WFP and FAO on short assignments between January 2015 and May 2016.

David Muchenu

David Muchenu (Driver)

David has been in the UN system since 2009. He started with World Food Programmes and was based in Beitbridge. There after he joined United Nations Department of Safety and Security (UNDSS) until joining the ZRBF team on the 3rd of October 2016. Prior joining the ZRBF team he has been a cross border truck driver where he spent 8 years visiting all the countries in southern Africa. However, he has been dealing with government, private and other NGO. Over the years he has managed to acquire a First level Zimbabwe Association of Accounting Technicians Certificate (ZAAT level 1), Bookkeeping and Marketing First levels and has in-house training of 4x4 apart and Defensive driving certificate from the Traffic Safety Council of Zimbabwe.

Sithembile Maunze

Sithembile Maunze ( Programme Specialist)

Sithembile has more than 14 years of on-the- ground practical experience in development working with rural communities. She has depth of knowledge and experience in the use of agriculture, private sector engagement and inclusive business as routes to poverty reduction and resilience building. Sithembile is a seasoned programme management specialist who has successfully designed and managed several innovative programmes including: value chain development, contract farming, inclusive business, SME development, financial inclusion and impact investments. One of her major successes is designing and leading the technical set-up of the Zimbabwe Agricultural Development Trust (ZADT), funded by DANIDA and DFID. ZADT is a $36 million facility that is catalyzing agribusinesses working with smallholder farmers in rural communities. She has used her strong private sector background and experience in banking and finance to facilitate sustainable, win-win business relationships between small holder farming communities and the private sector and has used carefully selected instruments and interventions to link small holder farmers with service providers and markets.

Sithembile holds a Bachelor of Business Studies Honours as well as Masters in Business Administration (University of Zimbabwe). She has also completed several courses in value chain development and inclusive agri- business.

Fadzai Ncube

Fadzai Ncube (Information Systems Specialist )

Fadzai is an Information Systems specialist majoring in database development and software engineering; with over 9 years progressive experience working in the data and information management departments for Private Sector , Humanitarian as well as Development NGOs. Prior to joining the UNDP- ZRBF unit Fadzai has worked seven years for Medecins Sans Frontiers as Data Officer until she headed the Health Promotion department as IEC Coordinator. She has worked with ZRBF as well SIDA funded projects in Care International. As a Database Administrator with CARE International Fadzai was involved in developing M&E Systems including electronic data management systems, databases and web applications.

She holds a BSc Honours Information systems degree, from the Midlands State University Zimbabwe, Certificate in Project planning and Management NUST Zimbabwe. Fadzai has also completed several courses in programming languages and data analytics. She currently studying towards a MSc in Big Data Analytics with the University of Liverpool.

Thomasina Muchakwana

Thomasina Muchakwana (Development Specialist)

Thomasina has over 9 years’ work experience in development. She has widespread experience in monitoring and evaluation of agriculture, climate change, food security, public health and resilience programmes. During her work experience, she gained excellent skills in project design, planning, implementation, coordination, value chain analysis, data analysis, research, report writing and performance measurement. Furthermore, she worked with international organizations and academic institutions including Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and University of Leeds among others. She holds Masters in Arts Development Studies (Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University) and BSc Honours Degree in Agricultural Economics (University of Zimbabwe). In addition, she has a Livelihoods and Markets Certificate (University of Pretoria {Gordon Institute of Business Science} and Coady International Institute)

Tinago Marivadzi

Tinago Marivadzi (Auditing and Finance )

Tinago has over 12 years’ experience working in the auditing and finance departments of parastatals, mines, manufacturing companies, automobile companies, retail outlets and Non-governmental organisations. He has worked for KPMG Chartered Accountants, Probands Private Limited and OK Zimbabwe Limited. He worked in the Audit field as manager for a little over five years.

He is a Master of Business Administration (Strategic Leadership) finalist with the University of Zimbabwe, he is also a Master of Science in Applied Accounting finalist with Oxford Brookes University, he has completed articles training with a big four accounting firm (KPMG Chartered Accountants), he is a holder of a full ACCA qualification and he has a Bachelor’s degree in Accounting Science with the University of South Africa (UNISA).

Caroline Masendeke

Caroline Masendeke (Programme Support and Office Administration)

Caroline Masendeke has over 15 years' experience working for various United Nations Agencies, the Southern African Development Community (SADC) and Research and information Services with a focus on Programme Support and Office Administration. Prior to joining the ZRBF Programme Management Unit Caroline pursued her passion in community development through initiating serveral community development projects.

She is a Master of Social Science in Development Studies finalist with Zimbabwe Open University and holds an Honours Degree in Development Studies with the University of South Africa. Additionally Caroline holds a National Diploma in Project Planning and Management (CCOSA), and a Certificate in Computer Programming. Caronline also trained in Population and Development with the University of Kwazulu Natal, South Africa.

Sekai Mativenga

Sekai Mativenga (Monitoring and Evaluation Assistant)

Sekai holds Master of Science Degree in Sociology and Social Anthropology from the University of Zimbabwe. She is currently a PHD fellow specialising in the impact of Climate Change on women in Zimbabwe. Sekai has 13 years of post-graduating experience in Programme Management and Monitoring Evaluation, Accountability Reporting and Learning (MEARL).

Prior to joining UNDP, she was the Monitoring and Evaluation Manager of ENSURE consortium, (World Vison led). One of her major success was designing and setting up the M&E system for the 120 million facility which facilitated tracking of 102 indicators. Additionally, she takes pride in her involvement in the Oxfam Zimbabwe Country Monitoring and Evaluation system, after the restructuring process, where she developed a system for Oxfam affiliates in Zimbabwe.

She has both knowledge and experience in implementing Gender, Resilience, Livelihoods, WASH, Nutrition, Humanitarian Responses and Governance programmes in both rural and urban settings and working with communities, local partners and government line ministries. She has a sound understanding of mainstreaming protection issues which include, Child protection, Social protection, Gender and Women’s health rights, Accountability and HIV and AIDS in program design and implementation. Sekai has worked in supporting programs in South Africa, Indonesia, Morocco, Zambia and Malawi, apart from her support in Zimbabwe.

Joy Mlambo

Joy Mlambo (ZRBF)

Joy is a passionate, committed and highly motivated Development Practitioner with over six years of experience in working and promoting sustainable development. Before joining ZRBF, Joy was part of a team within UNDP that led capacitation of selected government institutions to integrate climate change adaptation into development planning. This included disaster risk management, through designing standard adaptation planning templates, the creation of training materials and a user manual on how to integrate climate change (including gender aspects) into policies, as well as plans and programmes both in rural and urban set ups.

Joy’s experience in capacity building has involved working with rural communities through the Global Environment Facility Small Grants Programme (GEFSGP) as well as with urban communities through the Climate Change Virtual School. She also has experience in project management and project implementation in Zimbabwe gained from working with the Global Environment Facility Small Grants Programme’s (GEFSGP) Knowledge Management Grant and the UNIICEF’s Green Innovations HUB (GiHUB). She has excellent knowledge management skills with various articles published to her name.

Joy holds a Bachelor of Sciences Honors Degree in Applied Environmental Science from the University of Zimbabwe, an Executive Certificate in Project Management from the University of Zimbabwe and a Youth Masterclasses Certification in Facilitation Skills from the Global Landscapes Forum.